Rate-A-Restaurant #381: Cafe Birdie (Highland Park)

Restaurant: Cafe Birdie

Location: 5631 N Figueroa St. (Highland Park)

Type of restaurant: Mediterranean/American

We stipulated: For date night, Maria and I were planning on another Highland Park restaurant -- but it was packed. Instead, we walked by Cafe Birdie, and decided to check it out.

They stipulated: Walk-in traffic is accepted, and don't forget to check out the hidden bar in the back.

What we ordered: CAULIFLOWER, spicy chickpea puree, cilantro, olives, golden raisins, toasted walnuts ($15); GRILLED SHRIMP, fingerling potato, spicy romesco ($17); MOROCCAN-SPICED FRIED CHICKEN, harissa aioli, lime ($15); FALL MARGARITA, blanco tequila, lemon, tamarind, allspice, pineapple ($13)

High point:  The cauliflower was pretty amazing, and the fall margarita was a great idea.

Low point:  Entrees came out separately, which would have been a concern if we weren't sharing the plates. Luckily we were, so it worked out fine.

Overall impression: Nice spot, and yet another welcome addition to the ever-growing restaurant options near us. I never eat fried chicken coating... but I couldn't resist it here!

Will we return:  Definitely, especially to check out that secret bar in the back.